Mobile App Development Bootcamps

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Updated on April 19, 2023
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Mobile app developers create the apps we use on our smartphones and tablets, including Android and iOs devices. Everything from a simple solitaire game to the most complicated bank app requires the attention of a developer to bring the app to life.

As the number of mobile apps increases, so does the demand for mobile app developers. In fact, CNN Money listed mobile app developer as the best job in America in 2017. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not provide data specifically for mobile app developers, it does project that jobs for the related role of software developer will increase by 22% between 2019 and 2029.

So how do you become a mobile app developer? Many mobile app developers earn an associate or bachelor's in computer science, but the rise of coding bootcamps as a means to learn development skills in recent years has made it possible to enter the tech workforce after just a few months of intensive training.

This guide highlights the most popular mobile app development bootcamps and lets you know what to expect if you decide to attend one. Read on to explore popular programs and the career paths available to mobile app development bootcamp grads.

Best Mobile App Development Bootcamps

Note: The bootcamp provider information below lists default locations and learning formats for each program. COVID-19 may have impacted the location and learning format of many bootcamps, with in-person programs moving online. Please contact the bootcamp provider or visit their website for more information on current program availability and future program formats once health and safety precautions are no longer in effect.

Devmountain

  • Locations: Remote, Dallas, Lehi
  • Program Cost: $7,900 (Online); $9,900 (In Person)
  • Learning Formats: In Person, Online
  • Time Commitment: Full Time

Evening & Weekend Options

Job Placement Assistance

Devmountain offers a 13-week iOS development bootcamp that can be taken either in person or online. This iOS bootcamp teaches students to use Objective-C, Swift, and XCode to develop apps for Apple devices. Students also learn about app architecture and design, debugging, and how to use Github for collaboration.

This program requires light coding knowledge, and Devmountain provides pre-work that students must complete before the bootcamp starts. The ability to focus, an interest in coding, and a willingness to learn from mistakes are helpful attributes for students.


Related Software Development Bootcamps for You

Nucamp

  • Locations: Remote, Baton Rouge
  • Program Cost: $1,880
  • Learning Formats: Hybrid, Online
  • Time Commitment: Part Time

Evening & Weekend Options

Job Placement Assistance

Nucamp offers a 22-week full-stack web and mobile app developer bootcamp. One of the most affordable coding bootcamps you can find, students pay just $376 per month for five months.

The bootcamp consists of four courses. The first course focuses on building websites using Bootstrap and JavaScript. The second focuses on the JavaScript library and React. The third course covers mobile app development using React Native, and the fourth course covers server-side web development using MongoDB, Express, and Node.js.


TurnToTech

  • Location: New York City
  • Program Cost: $12,000
  • Learning Formats: In Person
  • Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time

Evening & Weekend Options

Job Placement Assistance

TurnToTech offers bootcamps focusing on Android app development or iOS app development. The full-time bootcamps last 16 weeks and the part-time bootcamps last eight weeks.

The iOS bootcamp teaches students to create mobile apps using Objective-C and Swift, while the Android bootcamp focuses on using Java. In both bootcamps, students start by learning the fundamentals of programming and computer science, and then move on to app development.

Students study operating system architectures, UX/UI design for apps, how to use AWS and APIs, and how to store data on the device and in the cloud.

Get the Qualities You Want in a Bootcamp

We use icons to make browsing bootcamps easy for you. Use this breakdown to quickly identify program qualities you are looking for.

Accepts GI Bill®

Accepts the GI Bill® as funding for tuition.

Also Available In Person

This online bootcamp also offers in-person options.

Career Services

Offers career services to help you land your dream job after graduation.

CIRR Member

This bootcamp is a current member of the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting. Learn more at cirr.org.

Evening & Weekend Options

Bootcamps are offered during convenient evening and weekend hours.

Job Guarantee

Employment is guaranteed as soon as you finish your bootcamp.

Money-Back Guarantee

Tuition is refunded if you don't land a job within a given time frame after graduation. Visit the bootcamp website for terms and conditions.

Start for Free

No deposit is required to get started. Begin your bootcamp for $0.

Methodology

Bootcamp Ranking Guidelines

At BestColleges, we believe the best bootcamp is the one that fits your schedule, your learning needs, and your career aspirations. That's why we often present our recommendations in alphabetical order -- because the real best bootcamp is the bootcamp that's best for you.

Our Methodology

The Bootcamp Team at BestColleges has collected data for over 150 bootcamps to help you find the best bootcamp.

At BestColleges, we believe the best bootcamp is the one that fits your schedule, your learning needs, and your career aspirations. That's why we often present our recommendations in alphabetical order -- because the real best bootcamp is the bootcamp that's best for you.

At this time, our recommendation round-ups feature only immersive bootcamps designed to prepare students for job placement upon graduation.

To be included on our lists, bootcamps must meet the following criteria:

  • Must offer at least one bootcamp in the United States.
  • Must offer at least one bootcamp that is a minimum of 4 weeks long.
  • Must require at least 15 hours of work per week if the bootcamp is part time.
  • Must encourage at least 10 hours of work per week if the bootcamp is self-paced.

Pricing disclosure: The prices listed were collected from product websites in 2022. However, given the dynamic, fast-paced nature of the tech space, prices are subject to change throughout the year. To get the most up-to-date information about pricing, contact providers directly.

Methodology for Recommending Cheap Bootcamps:

  • The bootcamp must meet all of the general criteria listed above.
  • The bootcamp must cost less than $8,000 if it is offered full time, and less than $5,000 if it is offered part time. These numbers were chosen based on data collected by BestColleges in 2020 that determined the average cost of a coding bootcamp is $13,580.

What Is Mobile App Development?

Mobile app development is a type of software development that focuses on creating applications that run on mobile devices. Mobile app developers optimize their apps to take advantage of the features available on mobile devices, such as the ability to change the orientation of the screen based on how the user holds the device.

Mobile app developers must also consider the limitations of mobile devices. For example, smartphones have very small screens and cannot display huge chunks of text all at once. App developers design apps that take advantage of the benefits offered by mobile devices while minimizing the effects of their limitations.

What Will I Learn in a Mobile App Development Bootcamp?

The content of an app development bootcamp varies from one bootcamp provider to another. Some cover all types of mobile apps, while others focus on developing apps for a specific operating system, like iOS.

Most mobile app development bootcamps start with the foundations of computer science and software development. Then, students move on to cover topics like operating system architectures, user interfaces for mobile devices, and mobile device features. Participants may also learn about programming languages like Objective-C, Swift, and Java.

Most mobile app development bootcamps have a set class schedule, where students meet with their class at a certain time — either in an in-person classroom or an online learning environment. Students should find out the schedule in advance to determine whether they can meet the time commitments for the program.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mobile App Development Bootcamps

What kind of jobs can I get if I learn mobile app development?

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Common job titles for people who learn about mobile app development include mobile app developer, iOS application developer, senior app developer, React developer, and software developer. All of these roles typically pay well. According to PayScale, the average base salary for a mobile app developer is around $73,520 per year.

Can I learn mobile app development online?

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Yes, there are online app development bootcamps. In fact, two of the bootcamps featured in this guide offer online options. Online bootcamps allow students to learn from anywhere without needing to relocate or commute.

Can I learn mobile app development for free?

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Alison offers free online mobile app courses that cover a variety of topics, including the fundamentals of coding for iOS and Firestone development for Android apps. Udemy often runs sales on its courses -- while they do charge for their courses, you can often find mobile app development courses for under $20.

Are mobile app development bootcamps worth it?

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Mobile app development bootcamps are worth it for many individuals. Mobile app development tends to be a lucrative field, and attending a bootcamp can help you launch a new career quickly.

Additional Resources

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government web site at https://benefits.va.gov/gibill/index.asp.